Creating tomorrow’s Heroes
Growing the Next Generation of First Responders.
Fire Chiefs say that one of their top priorities is to increase the number of paramedics and firefighters.
The growth in San Diego County and the number of firefighter retirements has created this critical demand for new hires. Additionally, there is a need for more gender and cultural diversity to serve the community.
The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation is partnering with community colleges, private institutions, and local fire departments, particularly in underserved communities to help meet this challenge by offering scholarships and supporting Fire Departments’ Explorer programs. Scholarship recipients will be able to bring their language skills and cultural knowledge to the communities they will serve, improving the understanding and communication provided to emergency victims.
We are grateful for the donors that support these programs including the Prebys Foundation and the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
Paramedic & Fire Academy Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships
The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation created a scholarship program to provide the crucial financial assistance needed to EMTs, Paramedics, and Firefighters to advance their careers. Scholarships are $5,000 for the Paramedic Program and $2,000 for Fire Academy. So far, the Fire Foundation has provided about 100 scholarships to individuals in several departments.
Watch Chula Vista Fire Chief Harry Muns (Ret.) talk about the need for and benefits of this program.
“I want to thank The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation for giving me this exciting opportunity. The ability to change my future in EMS and positively impact the communities I serve is greatly appreciated.”
James Hernandez, EMT
“As a recipient of this paramedic scholarship, I not only get the amazing opportunity to attend class each day with a fully funded education, but I also receive the support of the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation behind me in their desire to strengthen the future of the EMS system in San Diego County for years to come. I am so grateful for the foundation’s investment in me and my future career aspirations.”
David Shandley, EMT
“I’m very fortunate and lucky to have been able to receive this financial help. This will give me some peace of mind during the academy and not have to worry about the financial side of it as well as helping me get one step closer to the goal of becoming a career firefighter.”
Freddy Avila, Firefighter
Working with Fire Chiefs, Southwestern College, Palomar College, and other community partners, the Fire Foundation plans to expand the program to more departments throughout the county. Your financial support is needed to provide the scholarships our first responders need to pursue their necessary education to serve San Diego residents. Your donation will go toward paramedic tuition costs of $5,000 or fire academy costs of $1,000.
Explorer Program
The Fire Foundation also supports Explorer Programs at fire departments where youth experience firsthand working at a fire station and what it takes to be a firefighter.
Read Keith McReynolds story of how he started out as an Explorer and rose to become Fire Chief of North County Fire Protection District.
From Explorer to Fire Chief
“I joined the North County Fire Explorer Program in fall of 1990. As a Fire Explorer, I immediately developed a passion for the fire service and the North County Fire Protection District. Through ride-a-longs and weekly trainings, I learned what the fire service was all about and the importance of dedication and professionalism. After spending a few years in the Explorer Program and graduating from Vista High School in 1992, I began attending Palomar College where I completed EMT training and general education. I was hired as a Reserve/Firefighter with North County in 1994. I went on to complete Paramedic training and the Palomar College 11th Basic Fire Academy and was hired with North County Fire as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1996.
Shortly after being hired, I had a desire to begin giving back to the Explorer Program, so I decided to be a program advisor. For seven years I lead North County Fire Explorer Post #2740. It was during those years that I truly developed the leadership skills that I would carry with me through the rest of my career. I spent ten years as a Fire Captain, two years as a Battalion Chief, two years as an Administrative Battalion Chief, two years as a Division Chief, and in 2021 I was promoted to Fire Chief, all with North County Fire.
Fire Explorer Programs work. They give young people the opportunity to gain exposure to a fascinating and exciting career. Through learning and development, Explorer Programs are a gateway to one of the most rewarding careers in the world. Beyond the fire service, there are many other Explorer Programs available including law enforcement.”
Keith McReynolds
Fire Chief, North County Fire Protection District
Here’s Chief McReynolds with his Explorer Group that includes his son, Connor.
With these programs, we are “home growing” the next generation of paramedics and firefighters and exposing the youth of San Diego County to excellent career opportunities.